On April 17th, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) became the site of another tragic school shooting, leaving two students dead and six others injured. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly used a gun from his mother’s service weapon. In the wake of this deadly incident, President Donald Trump’s statement at a press conference has sparked widespread controversy and outrage.
Trump’s Reaction to the Florida State University Shooting
During the White House press conference, President Trump expressed his condolences but quickly shifted the focus to his strong stance on the Second Amendment. In his remarks, Trump stated, “These things are terrible,” referring to the shooting. However, he emphasized his unwavering support for the right to bear arms, saying, “I’m a big advocate of the Second Amendment,” and that he has always “protected it.”
Trump’s comment, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” quickly became a focal point of criticism. Many saw this as a deflection from the deeper issues surrounding gun violence. When pressed by the media, Trump responded, “Only in terms of what happens as far as legislation’s concerned, this has been going on a long time,” and reaffirmed that he would continue to protect the Second Amendment.
While Trump briefly acknowledged the tragedy, many felt his response was insufficient in addressing the root causes of gun violence and the urgent need for reform.
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Public Backlash to Trump’s Remarks
The President’s response to the FSU shooting quickly drew backlash across social media platforms. Critics pointed out the perceived insensitivity of his words in the wake of such a devastating event. One user tweeted, “Sorry about the dead people, but I love guns. Their ashes aren’t even cold yet. Completely disgraceful and unchristian.”
Another commentator on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Trump’s response to the FSU shooting is callous, deflecting with ‘guns don’t shoot, people do’ ignores the tragedy and the need for real solutions.” Others emphasized that other countries with stricter gun laws see far fewer mass shootings, with one person commenting, “This rarely happens in countries that don’t have guns. All of them have people.”
Criticism also came from those who felt that Trump’s focus on the Second Amendment overshadowed the grief and urgency for change. “The gun literally does the shooting. He is a moron,” said another enraged user.
The Shooter’s Fate and Unanswered Questions
As for the shooter, Phoenix Ikner, he was reportedly shot and taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the identities of the victims have not yet been released. Local authorities, including Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell, are continuing their investigation into the tragic event.
While President Trump’s comments and focus on the Second Amendment remain a topic of debate, many continue to call for greater accountability and legislative action on gun control to prevent further tragedies like the one at FSU.
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